FG, global partners move to bridge skills gap among Nigerian youths

The federal government has intensified efforts to equip millions of Nigerian youths with employable skills, calling on global development partners, industry leaders and policymakers to increase investment in its national skills acquisition programmes.

Vice President Kashim Shettima made the call on Tuesday in Abuja while declaring open the National Skills and Industry Alignment Roundtable Series (Q1 2026), themed “Bridging Skills Supply and Labour Market Demand.”

Shettima, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President in the Office of the Vice President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, stressed the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure skills development translates into employment and economic growth.

He emphasised the importance of building a coordinated national system where skills development leads to job creation, enterprise development and sustainable economic expansion.

The Vice President also commended the European Union for its continued support for Nigeria’s youth development and job creation initiatives, noting that the partnership has strengthened coordination and expanded opportunities for young Nigerians.

According to him, Nigeria has one of the largest youth populations globally, with millions entering the labour market annually, but many available jobs remain informal and unstable.

“The challenge is not simply job creation but alignment. Nigeria does not have a talent problem. Until skills meet industry demand, job creation will remain below its full potential,” he said.

Shettima said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is working to move away from fragmented programmes towards a more coordinated system that connects training directly to employment opportunities.